TV, films, computers, music, cycling, socialising and having fun!
Anybody Criminally Convicted:
No
Special Needs, Allergies Or Diets:
no
House And Locality Description:
Lovely, large semi-deatched house in Kingston - university town, in South West London. 100m from bus stop, 300m train station, 300m from big commercial centre, cinema, theatre, river Thames - lovely!
Will Have Own Bedroom:
Yes - yes, large room at top of house with bathroom. also TV and internet access
Will Have Own Bathroom:
Yes
Facilites Available In Bedroom:
Single bed, Wardrobe, Chest of drawers, Mirror, Desk or dressing table, Bookshelves, Desk chair, Lounge style chair, TV, Heating, Washbasin
Describe Duties Of Au Pair:
Look after two boys, give b/fast, take to school fetch from school, help with homework, cook supper and bath. Prepare meal for family and do laundry and ironing.
Weekly Money:
80
Do You Have Any Pets:
2 cats and 2 gerbils
They Are To Care For Pets:
Yes - Sometimes feed the two cats, please, if we are not there - or if they are hungry!
They Can Attend Language Classes:
Yes - Yes, there are lots of English classes nearby in the evenings and during the day.
They Are Required To Drive:
Yes - yes, 10-yr old needs to be driven to and from school
Car Available For Private Use:
Yes - Occasionally. Some contribution to petrol if used fequently.
Petrol Provided For Private Use:
No
In Case Of Accident, Will They Pay Excess:
No
If Yes, Approximate Amount:
They Will Have Sole Charge Of Children:
Yes
They Are Expected To Cook:
Yes - required to prepare simple family meals sometimes on weekdays. Must be able to cook simple meals like spahetti bolognese, bacon pasta.
They Are To Accompany You On Holiday:
No - Not unless they really want to.
Do They Need To Swim:
Yes
Consider A Male:
No - Only ladies, aged more than 21 years old, please.
Do You Have Internet Access At Home:
Yes
Will They Be Allowed To Use This Access:
Yes
Will They Be Able To Use Skype From Your House:
Yes
Any Further Information:
Either au pair/mother's help sought, or housekeeper. Job description Look after two boys, aged 11 and 12 years old for a minimum of 3 months, but longer if possible. Drive them to school and after-school activities (Ford Focus manual car). Help them with homework and ensure that it is done well. Play games and keep them entertained (away from computer games!) Take them to the park, swimming pool, activities and play dates, when there is time. Look after and maintain their clothes, toys, school uniform and sports things. Keep their rooms tidy, changing their bedclothes as required. Cook varied and nutritionally-balanced meals for the family and do some shopping occasionally. Do the family laundry and ironing. Also some very light, very occasional housework (like sweeping the kitchen if it is dirty). We have a cleaner for all other cleaning activities.
Hours of work: 7.45 – 9.15am, 3.00pm – 7.00pm Monday to Friday, with 2-3 hours additional work (approx. 30-33 hours/week) during school times. Additionally 1-2 baby-sitting evenings per week, maximum – not very frequent. Exceptionally, look after them at home during the day if they are ill. Look after children during school holidays and take them to activities and play dates as required. Additional responsibilities might include running a few errands (e.g. fetching the clothes from the dry-cleaners). The au pair may either take holidays at the same time as the family, or stay at our house in our absence.
Essential personal attributes Honest, patient, reliable, flexible, mature, independent, fun-loving, with a good sense of humour and good at playing with boys of that age. Tidy, domesticated and organised, with the ability to self-motivate to do a good job. Able to make friends easily and build own social life. Good time-keeper. Willing to join in and help the family when necessary. Able to cook simple, varied and interesting family and children's meals. No vegetarians, please. Willing to learn English and attend English classes.
Professional requirements Conversational English as a minimum A competent driver with a full driving licence, either British or EU, with a willingness to drive in the UK. Experience of looking after boys of that age would be an advantage.
Family circumstances The family live in a large house with a nice garden in the centre of Kingston, which is a suburban town in the south-west of London. The town is very lively with lots of young people at the university. There are many shops, bars, night clubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatre and the River Thames are just a short walk from the house. There are lots of English language (and other) courses not far away from the house. Kingston is 20 km (and 20 minutes by train) from central London. The family have two cars.
Both parents are in their early forties and work full-time in professional occupations (working mainly in central London, but sometimes at home), so someone reliable and independent is essential to take the younger child to school and help them with their homework.
English is spoken at home, though the mother speaks French and Spanish also. The carer would have her own large bedroom (with bathroom for themsleves, except when we have guests, which is not very often) and will also benefit from internet access and the (occasional) use of a car. The family has two cats and two gerbils. The family has a cleaner, so little housework required, unless more hours are sought.
We are a happy, easy-going family who are fun and easy to live with. We have always treated carers with respect and believe that a happy au pair will do a good job and treat our children with kindness and respect, so that they are happy too. If you would like to know more about what it is like to live with us, we would be happy for you to contact our current and previous au pairs.
Pay Room and board will be provided. £80 pocket money per week, payable on a Friday evening. This is not payable when the family is away or when you are on holiday.
